Praise and Worship From Captivity To Liberty

             

Foreword : "Just as we would take our time to be with the person we love, how much more so should we do the same with our heavenly Abba (Father) and living Elohim? There is a Sacred Realm which awaits us, being outside the reaches of the dimensions of mass, space and time. Prayer, praise and worship is not something to be rushed through with the impatience of a "microwave society", but rather waited upon with a patient and fully expectant heart until His heavy-weighted Glory and Presence increases within our midst and charges our entire being and atmosphere with the divine Energy and Spirit of Heaven itself. The hot Flame of His passionate Love is able to melt the hardness of the iciest heart, enlighten the consciousness of the darkest soul, and lift the spirit from the lowest depths into the grandest heights. Our Abba is waiting for us with outstretched arms...."

In this world, we are beset on every side with all sorts of problems and this tends to raise the level of stress within ourselves to the point where we can become ineffective in a wide variation of ways. Our enemy, haShatan (the adversary) is very aware of this fact and works extremely hard in trying to distract us from consistently beholding Messiah. We are called to keep our (spiritual) "eyes fixed on Him who is the Author and the completor of our Faith", "beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Master", so that we may become transformed from one level and degree of glory to the next (Heb. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18b). Perspective means everything, for whatever the continual meditation of our mind and heart is, that becomes our reality. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Prov. 23:7a)

It says in Matthew 6:22,23, "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness..."

The word, "good", is translated from the Greek, "haplous", which means : "single", or "clear". This is speaking of a clear and focused vision with a singular mindset. A person who beholds the Master with clarity and focus will be full of His light. But as it is briefly mentioned in James 1:6-8, those who are double-minded will become unstable in all of their ways and they will utterly fail, becoming filled with darkness. YaHuWaH (יהוה) is not the author of confusion, but of divine peace, order, stability and clarity (1 Cor. 14:33).

Let me share an example: Have any of you ever looked through a telescope or binoculars? If so,....then you already know that if the lenses are not focused, with singular vision, then the images become blurred and distorted, and thus, rather than light coming through properly, presenting visual clarity, ...darkness will obscure(dim) your view and perspective.

As the popular saying goes, "The eyes are the window of the soul." I am not speaking mainly about our physical eyes, but of our spiritual eyes, of our inner vision, and how we perceive life, the world, spirituality, etc. It is imperative and necessary that we have the righteous and proper perception (awareness, comprehension, discernment, insight) and perspective (view). If your spiritual view and awareness is good and focused, you will receive a continual supply of illumination by the Set-Apart Spirit, and the light of the Glory of the Master will increase exponentially within your life.

One of the greatest ways to keep our concentration on Him firm and resolute, is to cultivate a lifestyle of heartfelt praise and Spirit-led, intimate worship where "deep calls unto deep", or in other words, where the deep places of your heart is in sincere and passionately loving communion with the heart of our wonderful heavenly Abba. He continually seeks for us as His children to "worship Him in Spirit and in Truth" (John 4:23,24).

This is the "secret place" in the Spirit where our hearts progressively merge into a singular unity, and there is MUCH Power therein. Within the book of Psalms, we see that King David experienced much hardship with managing his emotions, and spent much time venting and complaining about his circumstances in a negative manner as he was battling frustration, anger, fear and depression. However, he understood that the answer to all of his problems was to seek the face of Him who sits upon the throne. This is why he willingly chose to praise and worship His majesty, and in doing so, we can see how his perspective and attitude changed from negativity to positivity in dramatic fashion. Always remember, "your attitude determines your altitude." As both the Word and medical science proves, we can become lifted or lowered by our own thoughts and emotions.

For those of you who are struggling within the realm of your deeply-seated emotions, whether it be crippling anxieties and fears (phobias) about various things, explosive episodes of anger and rage, or the suppressive weight of depression, etc., I want to share something with you that will inspire hope. You do not have to suffer needlessly from this harsh reality, for there is an answer. Whenever negative thoughts plague our consciousness, these are "fiery darts" from the wicked one and can be quenched by our "shield of faith" (Eph. 6: 16). Rather than willingly allowing these satanic suggestions to infiltrate our being to the point where we meditate on them and our emotions spiral out of control, we can use His Word with prayer, as well as singing praise and worship to our Abba to the point where our Spiritual vision is singular and focused upon Him. 

Whenever this occurs, our entire being becomes filled with a greater measure of His Light, and His peace which surpasses all understanding can manifest within us a divine ease and rest which is extremely comforting and healing. At the same time, I am aware that there are those of us who are experiencing the affliction which stems from bio-chemical imbalances within the brain and this dramatically affects our emotions. In cases such as these, you should seek whatever treatment which is the most effective for you, while also being completely open and receptive by faith to our Abba's loving and healing touch.

As it says within Luke 4:18, our Messiah came with the awesome Power of the Anointing to set the captives free, in healing the brokenhearted and setting at liberty those who are bruised(oppressed). 

This Scripture is the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy within Isaiah 61:1,2. In verse 3, it is promised that He came to comfort and give us "the Oil of Joy for mourning, and the Garment of Praise for the spirit of heaviness(depression)". Do you see the "key" within that passage? It is the "Garment of Praise" in which He is giving unto us to replace the spirit of depression. Within a Covenant, one party exchanges all that he/she has in order to receive all from the other. So therefore, if we desire to receive whatever it is that we need from Him, then we must by faith give Him what we have. "Cast all of your cares upon Him who takes care of you"(1 Pet. 5:7). 

If we attempt in vain to "control" and "take care" of everything with our own limited self-abilities,...then we are through lack of faith abiding in pride and resisting humility. In doing so, we refuse surrendering with meekness(with strength bent under restraint to a Higher Power), thus denying Him the opportunities to righteously govern and take care of every aspect of our lives. If we want Him to increase within our own lives, then we must decrease. This is the only Path towards receiving the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah.

It is a documented medical fact that deep prayer, meditation (upon the Word), and worship stimulate the right hemisphere of the brain and within the Alpha brain wave state, extremely powerful biochemicals and neurotransmitters (substances which transmit nerve impulses across a synapse), such as endorphins, serotonin, etc., are released throughout the bloodstream, dramatically affecting our mental states and emotions in a positive manner, and producing deep feelings of peace, comfort, joy, and well-being. These physical changes in combination with the Power of the Presence of our Abba's Holy Spirit have the divine potential of creating experiences which are extremely beneficial and life-altering.

Just in case there are some who do not yet know the difference between praise and worship:

Praise is when we express favor, admiration, and approval of YaHuWaH, giving Him the proper honor. More often than not, praise involves a faster pace of music and song unto Him, in which we involve ourselves totally in a physical, emotional, and spiritual manner with dancing, clapping, rejoicing, singing loudly, etc., as His Set-Apart Spirit leads us. Worship is a broader and higher extension of praise in which we express ourselves unto Him in a more tenderly, devoted manner, with intimate affection from our heart/spirit unto Him. As we worship Him, we express ourselves with a greater sense of humility and deeper reverence. This touches the heart of our Abba like nothing else, and He seeks this from each and every one of us.

Whenever we release genuine and heartfelt praise and worship towards YaHuWaH, He inhabits and is enthroned within it (Ps.22:3). We are releasing His Power to work on our behalf whenever we praise Him. Just as His Word is the Sword of the Spirit (Eph.6:17b ; Heb.4:12, so likewise, praise is a spiritual weapon.

(Psalm 149:5-9) "Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of YaHuWaH be in their mouth, and a two-edged Sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute on them the written judgment--This honor have ALL the saints. Praise YaHuWaH."

In the ReNewed Covenant, the saints are not called by Him to fight against flesh and blood, like as in the Old Covenant, but are to wage war against the evil principalities and powers, the rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. (Eph. 6:12,13) 

Praise and worship are part of our spiritual arsenal of weapons and are effective in pulling down satanic strongholds, and anything that opposes Messiah, punishing all disobedience. (2 Cor. 10:3-6 ; Eph. 3:10) One of the best ways to silence the forces of darkness whenever they are sowing evil thoughts and confusion in our midst is to vibrantly praise YaHuWaH.

(Psalms 8:2) "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings You have ordained strength because of Your enemies, so that You may silence the enemy and the avenger."

(Matthew 21:16) "And said unto him, 'Hearest thou what these say'? And Yahuwsha said unto them, Yea, have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings You have perfected praise?' "

If you notice from the comparison between these two Scriptures, the fact is that the Master quoted from the Psalms,...and the word "strength" (in Psalms) is paralleled with the word, "praise", which He used. There is a reason for this, and it is because praise IS power, strength, and divine Energy being released from our spirits by His Spirit unto the One upon the throne, and then His Presence increasingly inhabits this praise and He also loosens His angels to work and fight on our behalf, according to His will. 

We see a very powerful example of this within 2 Chron. 20:21,22, in which the praisers and worshippers went ahead of the army of Yisrael and as they sang from their hearts as one, YaHuWaH sent forth His angels to create ambushments against the collective armies of Ammon, Moab, amd Mount Seir, and they were defeated. Wow! Can you imagine an army getting ready to defend their nation from foreign invaders,...and then the praisers and worshippers go out ahead of that army, singing unto YaHuWaH? His Power which was expressed through that praise and worship was more powerful than mere physical weapons, and thus, the enemy became confused, turned on themselves, and killed each other, as Yisrael watched.

Another example is from Acts 16:23-26, where the apostles Paul and Silas were unjustly whipped and incarcerated and while they were in stocks, sitting in a smelly, cesspool-lined prison cell, they passionately prayed and worshipped, singing hymns in the Spirit. As they did so, the entire place was shaken with an earthquake and they became liberated from their captivity. This also opened the "door" of opportunity for them to administer the Gospel to the jailer. They could have very easily succumbed to carnal emotions and grumbled about how unfair everything was. But instead, they chose the Higher Path, in meditating on Him, and through this vibrant act of faith, He moved on their behalf in a miraculous manner which is still being spoken of, almost 2,000 years later.

In confirming Psalms 22:3, YaHuWaH is enthroned upon and inhabits our intensely vibrant praises and deep worship, manifesting His Shekinah Glory, as indicated in 2 Chronicles 5:14: "Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking YaHuWaH, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised YaHuWaH, saying: 'For He is good, for His mercy endures forever,' that the house, the house of YaHuWaH, was filled with a Cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the Cloud; for the Glory of YaHuWaH filled the House of Elohim."

The throne of YaHuWaH Elohim is surrounded by His seraphim who continually sing in praise and worship unto Him, along with the saints, according to Rev. 4: 6-11, etc. And in Heaven, His Glory is continually manifested. But whenever His angels (and His people) sing in true praise and worship to Him on the Earth, the result is the same, which is the increasing manifestation of His Presence and Shekinah Glory, for He inhabits and is enthroned within pure praise and worship.

(Isaiah 6:1b, 2a, 3-4) "...I saw YaHuWaH sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; ....and one cried to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the YaHuWaH of hosts; The whole Earth is full of His Glory!' And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with Smoke." 

In closing, I challenge each and every one of you to rise above your negative situations and circumstances by consistently thinking on heavenly things with the divine Mind (Consciousness) of Messiah, meditating upon Abba's set-apart Scriptures-Word and praying in His Spirit. Express the fullness of your heart in Spiritual intimacy and communion with Him, speaking and singing within your native language and also within the divine utterance (in other languages/tongues) as the Set-Apart Spirit leads (if you have the gifting ; 1 Cor. 14: 2,15).

Rather than allowing your emotions to be inspired by the fleshly, carnal nature, and your environment to dictate to you the terms of your inner spiritual lifestyle, willingly choose to walk and live in the nature and "fruit"(set-apart emotions and character) of the Spirit (Gal.5:22,23). It is a process which begins with the first step. Never give up, no matter how many times you fail, for a quitter never wins. As Paul said, "I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yahuwsha..." 

As you surrender your everything to Abba, He will give you everything which you need in order to endure and overcome temptation and ultimately receive the fullness of your destiny within the Kingdom of Light. "Being confident in this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you SHALL carry it on to the day of completion..." (Phil. 1:6)

As you praise and worship the Most High in Spirit and Truth with purity and devotion of heart, waiting on Him with genuine patience and self-control, He shall deliver you from darkness to Light and from captivity into Liberty.

(Eph. 5:17-20) "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of YaHuWaH is. And do not be drunk with wine in which is dissipation[excess]; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Master, giving thanks always for all things to Elohim the Abba in the name of our Master Yahuwsha the Messiah."

(1 Peter 2:9) "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His glorious light."

(Jude 24) "Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy, to Elohim our Savior who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Ameyn."

Peace be with you.

In Him we live, move, and have our being,

Yahuwnatan

Are You Truly Ready For What Is Soon To Come?

In times of plenty where satisfaction abounds and instant gratification is the norm, it is very easy to become complacent and lulled into a false sense of security. The world system in which we live is shrouded by a veil of illusion created by the prince of darkness, designed specifically to blind our eyes to the truth of what is really going on. 

As it says in Ecclesiates 3:1, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." The previous season of peaceful times, freedoms, prosperity, and personal power of the common people (citizenry) is slowly coming to an end, and the "coin is being flipped" to the opposite side. We are now entering into a new time when "the hearts of men will fail them for fear and the expectation of what is coming upon the Earth" (Luke 21:26a). Many will fall away from the truth and into the darkness of the eternal abyss which awaits them...

In the near future, our faith is going to be tested like never before, and may we be consistent and faithful to Him just as the apostles and prophets of old were in holding the Gospel dear to their hearts and never compromising the truth, no matter what came their way, whether it be persecution, desperate need, etc. In the face of tyranny, oppression, lack of necessary resources, etc., will we stand boldly without hindrance or reservation upon the solid Rock of our Salvation, ...or buckle underneath the sheer weight and pressure that our spiritual adversary places upon us through worldly means? The carnally-oriented/worldly mind wants to play pretend, assuming that everything will be alright, and making false promises of hope and grandeur while sticking the proverbial "head in the sand". Rather than deluding ourselves to the fact that widespread suffering IS coming on a massive, global scale, we must prepare spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically, or else, become caught off-guard and ashamed as unfaithful servants who were not watchful and aware.

(Mishle/Proverbs 27: 12) "A wise man foresees calamity and hides himself. The simple pass on and are punished."

If we do not hide in His Presence and holy Word, keeping our spiritual "lamps full of oil" (His Anointing) as the darkness comes over the world, we will become vulnerable to becoming deceived and ensnared by the enemy of our souls.

(1 Thess. 5:3) "When people say, 'There is peace and security', destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pangs come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape."

Everything must be put into proper perspective, and this is done by keeping our spiritual eyes fixed on Messiah. As we watch the unfolding events in our world, compare them with the Biblical prophecies, and "connect all of the dots", we can see a clear picture emerging which reveals the distinct pattern of divine sovereignty and providence. All of creation is literally "groaning inwardly" as is evidenced by the dramatic increase in pestilences, plagues, bizarre weather patterns, natural disasters, galactic disturbances, etc.

The oldest and purest prophecies have been foretold by our heavenly Abba through His servants and recorded within the Bible, and these clearly point to many calamities affecting our planet in the near future.

Likewise, we are witnessing the transition from national sovereignty to global governance (new world order), and it is out of this unified political, ecumenical and military system that the prophesied anti-Messiah (political dictator) and false prophet (apostate pope) will arise into power (through the revived Roman Empire/European Union with Vatican as well as Masonic royal bloodline influence) and deceive all nations while being empowered by the forces of darkness. They will operate with powerful, lying signs and wonders, and for quite some time, our spiritual adversary has been conditioning the masses with clever occultic and evolutionistic propaganda to the point where one day, they will believe and receive the lie with open minds and hearts.

(James 5:1-3) "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure for the last days."

Everywhere we look, there is ample evidence which points to the fact that our global economy is very close to a complete meltdown that will make the Great Depression of the 20s and 30s seem minor in comparison. This impending disaster is currently being created by the insatiable appetite and greed of man, both ignorantly and deliberately (for wealth-transfer). Even though there are secretive people in power who are trying to stimulate chaos and play both sides with the objective of creating a new global order (through the framework of the Hegelian Dialectic), it is ultimately not them who are truly in control, for all things abide within Abba's direct and indirect influence and sovereignty for the purpose of revealing the very fullness of truth as well as bringing about the destruction of evil in it's entirity. He who sets up the kingdoms of the world will also bring them down, just as He did with the original Tower of Babel, Babylon, Rome, etc. The United States of America is the next empire to fall, and our enemies are literally counting the days until this occurs.

So therefore, I must ask each and every one of you a very important and personal question:

Are you truly ready for what is soon to come? Please allow me to get into a little more detail : Have you prepared for the economic collapse which will consist of worthless monetary currencies, a crashed electrical power grid, massive shortages in food, water, and other vital resources? It is common knowledge from past experiences all throughout history that during these seasons of calamity, whether it be localized or widespread, riots and civil war will ensue with violence and crime occurring on a mass scale. From what has already been revealed within numerous executive orders signed into existence by various American Presidents (including F. D. Roosevelt, Nixon, Clinton, Bush, etc.), this will ultimately lead to the declaration of a national emergency and martial law with the military policing the people and most likely placing millions into containment camps. 

Many do not realize that during this time, the Constitution will be suspended, all personal rights and freedoms abolished, as well as private property being potentially seized by the government. If any of you wish to learn more about these facts, please feel free to conduct research on the executive orders signed by these and other presidents. Our freedoms should never be taken for granted, for just as they have been given to us, they can more easily be taken away.

Rather than succumbing to the fear of these things, we are to hold our heads high, looking up for our redemption draws nigh. Yahuwsha our Messiah comforted us with these words :

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (Yahuwchanan/John 16:33)

It is those who spiritually endure to the end who shall be saved, and great shall our eternal reward be, for as the Master confirmed in Revelation 3:21, 22, "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit in My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies."

 As the apostle Shaul/Paul said, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)

To quote a famous saying, "To be forewarned is to be forearmed." So therefore, since we have been warned about what is to come, may we all use wisdom in preparing ourselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Not only should we store up the Word within our hearts and minds like never before and build up our most holy faith by continually praying and being watchful in the Ruwach (Spirit), we should also be wise in being like the ant, storing up food and other necessities for the upcoming harsh conditions where there is lack of resources (Mishle/Proverbs 6:6-11). 

Even though our Abba YaHuWaH can and does perform miracles through His Anointing and angelic hosts during times of desperation and need, He does not want us to test Him by being unwise, lazy and unprepared. He expects us to labor and do everything that we can by His grace (and through faith) to make proper preparations for the sense of well-being and security/protection (of ourselves and others), or else, we will become worse than an infidel.

It is apparent by all of the supernatural and natural signs around us that the "winds of change are blowing". May we take a hard look into the "mirror" of reality, never forgetting that nothing is what it seems and continually peer deeper into the heart of the mystery of Messiah while being continually mindful of the exceedingly loving plan of Abba to purify all things and to sum them up into Himself through the Son.

As it was recorded within Shemoth/Exodus 3:13,14, when Moses inquired of His Name, the response (in the literal meaning and proper translation) was, "I Am becoming who I Am becoming." His title [אהיה אשר אהיה / AhaYah asher ahaYah] and Name [יהוה / YaHuWaH] reveals His eternal nature outside of the dimensions of matter/space/time and the fact that IN Him as one essence and Ruwach (Spirit), we are in a state of continuity and metamorphosis(transformation) with the divine purpose of becoming as He is, perfectly aligned, synchronized, synergized and unified. 

The shaking of all things by His Hand are referred to within numerous passages of Scripture as the "birthpangs", and since this is so, then this reveals that "something" is being "birthed". What is really being "birthed" and "formed", as the apostle Shaul/Paul mentions? It is Messiah's Anointing in you, and the revelation/manifestation of who and what we truly are in Him as the offspring of the Most High. (Romans 8:18-23) We can take joy in the truth which makes us free, knowing full well that this is the victory which overcomes the world, our faith. HalleluwYah!!!

Shalom aleichem (peace be with you).

In Him we live, move, and have our being,
Yahuwnatan

The Need For Set-Apart Meditation, Trance and Stillness For Increasing Divine Awareness/Perception

All throughout history up until now, untold numbers of both ancient and modern believers of our loving, heavenly Abba (Father) have sought after His divine nature and power via the sacred Covenants, desiring not only the deepening of relationship and intimate, spiritual communion as "deep calls unto deep", but also to see with spiritual sight and hear His sacred Voice. Without receiving this impartation of instruction, guidance and revelation, we would spiritually stumble around in continual satanic darkness and never find the Way, but remain inevitably lost, always falling short of His Shekinah Glory as well as failing to achieving the fullness of the divine Ruwach (Spirit) through Messiah and the fulfillment of our potential and destiny.

In the beginning, we were created in His perfect Image and Likeness and to be the clear expression and pure emanation of the divine. However, due to our fall into the lower, carnal, self-centered, egotistical nature, Messiah had to come and establish the Atonement (at-one-ment), redeeming us from the Curse and cycle of sin/death. It is by "beholding the Glory of the Master as in a mirror" that we are being "transformed from glory to glory by the Ruwach". How do we "behold the Glory as in a mirror"? How is it possible to truly "Be still and know I Am Elohim...", as it is written in Tehillim/Psalms 46:10? What did David mean (in 62:5) when he wrote, "My soul, wait silently for Elohim alone, for my expectation is from Him"?

David also said in reference to himself and all of humanity, (within 139:14), "I am fearfully and wonderfully made". As the written Set-Apart Word, biology, science, and quantum physics, etc., confirm, the human is an extremely complex and intricate being, consisting of many levels and dimensions. He created us as both supernatural and natural beings with the ability to operate via multiple dimensions, not only the universal space-matter-time continuum, but also Consciousness and Spirit, for this is why we ourselves are triune beings made of matter (body), soul (consciousness) and spirit.

It has been documented by neuroscience that we only use approximately 6 to 10% of our brains. Likewise, geneticists confirm that 95 to 98% of our DNA is "turned off" and is currently inactive, being called "junk DNA", and yet, experiments have proven that many of these inactive strands of DNA can become "turned on" and activated by electromagnetic frequency stimulation. Why is such a large percentage of our brains and DNA seemingly inaccessible and inactive? I firmly believe that this is due to the fall into sin, and our heavenly Abba's will for us to not be able to use the full capacity and capabilities of our brain and DNA, for if we operated with 100% of our human potential while still corrupted by the curse of sin/death, the power would be greatly abused and humanity would be completely wiped out.

History has shown time and time again what happens when sinful humans gain some measure and degree of power and authority. As the sayings go, they become "drunk with power", for "absolute power corrupts absolutely", and this leaves many innocent victims in its wake. In our current and weakened state of existence, we cannot be completely open to the entirety and fullness of all divinely supernatural and natural consciousness, for if we were, then we would not be able to handle the infinite and finite load of information and process it all in a beneficial and healthy manner, but would instead become overstimulated, overwhelmed and destabilized by the sheer enormity, vastness and weight of it. This is why the Word says that we "see through a glass dimly", or in other words, we only perceive fragments and parts of true Reality in the realm of the Spirit.

In order for us to function and survive at this time within our current state with balance and sanity, the brain and central nervous system serve as a reducing valve through which supernatural and natural consciousness is funneled into it, thus being filtered in three main layers, called the conscious, subconscious and unconscious. Our brains are similar to radios with antennas which can be tuned into various frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum and spiritual dimensions. We can either tap into the set-apart Mind and Consciousness of our Abba of lights through Messiah by the Spirit, the unholy collective mind and consciousness of the satanic darkness of this world system, or deeper into our own multi-layered consciousness which is influenced either by Good or evil in various areas. The need for renewing our minds on His Word and tuning into His Voice on a consistent basis is imperative and extremely vital and important for our predestined spiritual
 growth and transformation.

The conscious is the smallest, most reduced and basic part of our mind which we normally use on a daily basis. It employs to direct our attention toward a particular object which has been selected from the limitless assortment of (at the forefront) thoughts, emotions, feelings, physical sensations, sensory messages, field-elements, etc. The subconscious is the area of our mind which is slightly below the conscious on the brain-wave frequency level, being where we can focus into (while still awake) during reflection in order to retrieve thoughts, creative insight, solutions, memories, etc. It is also the "seat" of our intuition (extra-sensory perception or sensing of things within the supernatural and natural realms which are not perceived by natural senses), and where our main and deep communication/prayer and reception (receiving of revelation and visions) in the Spirit occurs.

Last of all, the unconscious is the deepest layer which cannot be accessed at all while still being awake, and this consists of the greatest part of our mind and contains all memories of past experiences and everything which we have learned in life, and is likewise, the main and unseen driving force of our (good and evil) thought patterns, emotional states, and behavior. This is also where Abba can speak to us in spiritual dreams while in the R.E.M. (rapid eye movement), dreaming state and delta brainwave frequencies.
The conscious mind can be symbolically perceived as a type of the visible "tip of the iceberg", while the main parts (the subconscious and unconscious) abide unseen "underwater". The largest majority of our carnal/fleshly behavior is rooted in the unconscious, and the Bible non-coincidentally refers to deeply embedded areas of darkness as "roots" (such as greed/bitterness, in 1 Tim. 6:10; Heb. 12:15) and "strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4,5) from which everything springs forth (Matt. 15:18,19). Due to the corruption of our entire mind (on all three main levels by the sinful, carnal nature) the written Word says that our minds must be "renewed"/reprogrammed (Romans 12:2 ; Eph. 4:23), stating the need (in Hebrews 4:12) for the "Sword of the Spirit" to pierce and divide between the parts of our soul(mind, will, emotions) and spirit, ...being a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart (which includes our innermost subconscious, unconscious and spirit).

Likewise, our brain is considered as having two opposite, yet, interconnected hemispheres. While both hemispheres possess the ability to analyze sensory data, perform memory functions, learn new information, form thoughts, and make decisions, they are also uniquely different in their roles. The left hemisphere specializes in analytical thoughts, being responsible for dealing with "hard" facts such as abstractions, structure, discipline, rules, time sequences, mathematics, categorizing, logic, rationality, and deductive reasoning. Its functions also include the responsibility for details, knowledge, definitions, planning, goals, words, productivity, efficiency, science, technology, stability, extraversion, physical activity, and the right side of the body, being the predominant focus in school and society.

The right hemisphere of the brain specializes in "softer" aspects than the left, being responsible for intuition, feelings, sensitivity, emotions, daydreaming, visualizing, creativity, color, spatial awareness, and first impressions, as well as for rhythm and music, spontaneity, impulsiveness, the physical senses, risk-taking, flexibility and variety, learning by experience, relationships, spirituality, play and sports, introversion, humor, motor skills, and the left side of the body. It also has a holistic method of perception that is able to recognize patterns and similarities and combines those elements into new forms. It has been proven in experiments that prayer (in our native language as well as with the gift of other languages/"tongues" by Spirit-utterance), meditation, praise and worship, and other expressions of spirituality all operate through the right hemisphere of the brain during bioelectrical alpha and theta brain wave frequencies and trance states of consciousness. 

(Tehillim/Psalms 49:3) "My mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation from my heart will be understanding."

Meditation : "a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the left-hemisphere, reflexive, academically and logically "thinking" mind (faster beta brain wave frequency state) into right hemisphere brain functions of deep modes of relaxation or spiritual awareness (in the slower alpha and theta brain wave states). It often involves musing, pondering, revolving a thought within one's mind in reflection, as well as turning attention to a single point of reference or focusing on a central spiritual source and being."
Trance : "is from Latin 'transpire': to cross, pass over and the multiple meaning of the polyvalent homonym "entrance" as a verb and noun provide insight into the nature of trance as a threshold, conduit or channel."

Before I continue, it needs to be stated that there is an unfortunate and overzealous fear and negative stigma within many believers of what is called "meditation" and the "trance state of consciousness", due to widespread misunderstanding and misinterpretation. In part, this is understandable because many want to avoid the trappings of pagan and occultic philosophies and practices. On one hand, we MUST avoid spiritual darkness at all costs, as He commanded in His Word for our express benefit and blessing. Having nothing to do with these futile customs, traditions and practices of false religions (various forms of witchcraft, New Age, Eastern philosophies, etc.) will preserve us from becoming completely deceived and enslaved by fallen angels and demonic spirits.

Our Messiah specifically warned us in MatisYahuw /Matthew 6:7, "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them."

Whenever one deliberately enters into a meditative trance and opens up the self to the spirits of this fallen world through the chanting of vainly repetitive mantras, occultic music, focusing upon and visualizing idols (such as Buddha), etc., it makes that person vulnerable to becoming not only influenced by spiritual darkness, but also completely possessed and controlled. This is how many shamans, monks, and other practitioners of this system can and do display powerful occultic abilities of "mind over matter", such as levitation, telepathy, healing, divination, etc., all of which are satanic counterfeits of the true "gifts of the Spirit" as the apostle Shaul/Paul referred to within Scripture.

We must keep in mind that like many things in life, whether it be power, money, sex, etc., meditative, trance states of consciousness are neutral in and of themselves and thoughts and intentions of the heart which determine whether or not it becomes Good or evil. Who is it that we are truly seeking? Who is the focus of our worship and the spiritual source to whom we are opening ourselves up to? HaShatan (the adversary) and his hierarchy of fallen angels and demons do not create anything on their own, but merely mimic, imitate and counterfeit the divine and absolute Truth of our heavenly Abba of lights. If they are counterfeiting something,...then there is a real and righteous side to the matter.
  
Trances are completely normal and whether we admit it or not, we enter these altered states of consciousness on a daily basis. For example, our brains shift from the hyper-alert gamma and normal-alert beta (brain wave frequencies) into the slower and more spiritually open and sensitive alpha and theta states from many causes, such as whenever we drift off to sleep or right after waking up (where we experience hypnagogic or hypnopompic reverie), while driving long distances, daydreaming, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, watching television, listening to various types of music, visualizing, praying, worshipping, etc. This shift in consciousness can also be caused by creating art, swimming and floating on water, aromatherapy, massage, playing video games, fasting, malnutrition, becoming injured or ill, experiencing migraines or dizziness, hyperventilation, epilepsy, photostimulation, being in darkness for an extended period of time (also called sensory deprivation), hypnosis, electrical brain stimulation, watching blinking lights with eyes opened or closed, ingesting psychoactive and psychedelic/hallucinogenic medicines/drugs and other various substances, etc.

Whenever we enter these slower frequency states of mind, we reap ENORMOUS benefits and blessing, such as gaining insight through reflection, divine revelation from the Spirit of our Abba, and receiving fresh impartation of energy/strength, and healing from Him which renews us continually, just as His Word commands us to do in waiting upon Him in silence and stillness so that we may become filled, strengthened and renewed (Isaiah 40:31; Psalms 27:14, etc.). Within 2 Kings 3:11-15, we read that others wanted to receive a Word from Him through the prophet Elisha, and when he went to seek Him for a divine Message, he had a person play the harp so he could become increasingly sensitive to His Voice through worship. The shepherd/king David also did the same and this is how he became so incredibly open to being inspired to sing and write spiritual psalms, as well as receiving prophetic revelations, etc.

(Habakkuk 2:1) "I will stand at my watch, and station myself on the watchtower, and wait to see what He says to me, and what to answer when I am corrected."

In this state of mind, our "brain chatter" and mental "noise" and the constant barrage of thoughts cease as they become quietened and stilled to the point where we are no longer distracted and are increasingly enabled to accurately hear Abba's divine Voice speaking into our hearts via intense and intuitive impressions, sensations, and visual images for the purpose of revealing more of Himself and quickening us to become more like Him in unity as one Essence and Spirit.

Likewise, biochemicals such as endorphins,
 seratonin, dopamine, and melatonin are released into our bloodstream and the rest of our body from the brain, promoting well-being, serene and joyous feelings, boosting the immune system's ability to the body from injuries and illness, etc.

If we do not "enter His rest" and "be still" in meditation, etc., (abiding in these brainwave states while focusing on Him), then we will suffer needlessly from over-stimulation of the left hemisphere of the brain, the conscious mind loses focus and concentration, and the body will experience "burnout" and succumb increasingly to weakness and illness. Also, we will have lack from not spending ample time in His set-apart Presence to deepen our relationship with Him and receiving divine revelation which enables us to walk in the Spirit with effectiveness and power, rather than abiding in the fallen, carnal nature.

The written Word confirms within many passages of set-apart and inspired Scripture of this true reality of believers being led by the Ruwach to enter into awake-trances as well as deep sleep for the purpose of receiving divine revelation from Him in visions, dreams, etc. Here are a few examples : Bereshith/Genesis 15:12; Bemidbar/Numbers 24:4,16; Iyob/Job 4:13 and 33:15; Dani'el 8:18 and 10:9; Acts 10:10, 11:5 and 22:17, Revelation 1:10, etc.
Within Acts 10:10, the word "trance" is derived from "ekstasis", which our English word "ecstasy" stems from --"stasis" (to stand) and "ec" (ex, out), hence to "stand out of yourself." The Greek lexicon defines this word as "a state of being brought about by YHWH, in which consciousness is wholly or partially suspended."

All of the images which we see in our mind while our eyes are closed, as well as on occasion with them open (in deep trance) are manifested by electrobiochemical releases in the brain (with or without the influence and impartation of energy from the supernatural realm and spirits, whether set-apart or unset-apart). Every image which is perceived in our mind's "eye" is caused by electromagnetic frequencies and the lower our brainwave energy cycles are, the more intense and complex the images are projected from the visual cortex of the brain.

Most people are unaware of this fact : our Pineal gland (which is located in the center of the brain) secretes a natural biochemical hallucinogen called "DMT", and on natural and supernatural levels causes the perception of visions and dreams. We can also see visual entoptic images through phosphenes which are directly induced by mechanical, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of the retinas of our eyes, optic nerves or visual cortex as well as by random firing of cells in the visual system. Likewise, frequencies of light beamed through our eyes (while closed) produce the same effect. The visuals which are perceived can range from five basic types : 1) the grating, lattice, fretwork, filigree, honeycomb, and chessboard design, 2) the cobweb, 3) the tunnel, vortex, funnel, alley, cone or vessel, 4) two and three-dimenional geometric shapes and 5) the spiral. In the deepest trance states, one sees natural or supernatural visions and dreams of scenes, people, powerful memories, spiritual revelations, etc.

These are the five brainwave frequencies :

1) Gamma : 30 to 70 Hz (cycles per second). Gamma waves play a supportive, integral role in the brain, being present mostly while a subject is awake, but will always be supported by other waves in the beta, alpha, theta, or delta ranges.
2) Beta : 13 to 30 Hz. This brain wave occurs when your conscious mind is in control, indicating a mental state of logical thought, analysis, and action. In this state, you remain alert and awake, while being conversative, active, solving problems, etc.

3) Alpha : 7 to 13 Hz. Most prominent during deep reflection, meditation, prayer, listening to or making music, relaxation, as well as before and after sleep. It also is the state of mind in which inspiration and speed learning is possible, etc. 

4) Theta : 4 to 7 Hz. Occurs during deep meditation and prayer, intense focus, as well as during deep hypnagogic or hypnopompic reverie (before and after sleep) where the images in the mind are colorful and life-like, such as visuals of landscapes, people, powerful memories recalled with precision, etc. It is this state of mind where visions occur via supernatural or hallucinogenic means.

5) Delta : 1 to 4 Hz. Occurs in the deepest level of the mind, called the "unconscious", and is the state where supernatural or natural dreams occur. 

Likewise, it is the deepest state of meditation whenever one is completely surrendered in the Spirit of our Abba or to demonic spirits of darkness, and can potentially be when out-of-body experiences occur, such as hinted at within various Scriptures, including 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 and Revelation 4:1.
All in all, what does this information mean or imply? It clearly shows for the record that we are multi-dimensional beings who were created in His divine Image and Likeness, and if we open ourselves up in trance states of consciousness to the forces of darkness through deception, we will become possessed and controlled by them for the plans, purposes and pursuits of spiritual darkness, rebellion against the Most High Elohim, and ultimately end up being cast into Hades where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, where the punishments are far more severe than we can conceive or imagine.

However, if we become still before Him in spirit, soul and body, meditating upon His Word and Essence, worshipping in Spirit and Truth, as well as abiding in intimate prayer and communion from "heart to heart", our mind becomes quietened and we are able to receive greater degrees and levels of divine characteristics, revelation, and power which is necessary for individual spiritual growth and transformation, in combination with receiving what is needed for impartation unto others who have lack, and thus benefit the collective Body of Messiah as we reach for the measure of the stature of divine FULLness and completion.

At first, many years ago, I had absolutely no idea of how to meditate upon Him, and felt as if I could not see nor hear His revelatory communication, for this all seemed so foreign and unfamiliar. But after continual patience, practice and discipline with Him teaching me step by step to gradually let go of trying to remain in physical control of my outer and inner "world", I learned to let go and become receptive to the infinite flowing of His divine Energy and Presence flowing through me as a vessel, and merging increasingly with Him in many facets and aspects. Needless to say, I became a changed man and now see life through a seemingly different "lens" or "set of eyes" with the Mind of Messiah increasingly saturating my consciousness and granting spiritual perspective and vision of Abba Yah's divine handiwork and pattern in all things.

So if you're asking, "How do I enter this relaxed state of mind where I'm open to seeing what He desires to reveal and hear what He is speaking", here goes :

Shift your focus from the outside and external five senses (of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch) to the inward place in your mind and heart and let your sole concentration be upon Him, the written Word, as well as His Presence which abides within and surrounds you, being closer than your very breath and permeating every atomic particle and molecule of your being. Pour forth prayer, praise and worship from your heart to His with total and complete abandon and without reservation, and your energy will progressively mingle with His as He continually sums up and absorbs more of you into Himself. It is all about relationship. It is all about Covenant, with all of you being His and all of Him being yours as one, combined in divine fusion.

He is a Person, as well as pure Energy. He is in Heaven as well as here on Earth, being outside and also within the universe. How can that be? It is futile to attempt to grasp the fullness of Infinity with a finite mind at this point in time, for we are not yet perfected. Just take it one step at a time. As the saying goes, "Small steps". Human language is grossly insufficient and words fail me, for I cannot possibly explain exactly how you will know when He is moving and operating within you, but trust me, when He reveals Himself, in your heart, you will know that you know it is Him in such an undeniable way which you cannot be convinced otherwise, no matter how strongly haShatan tries to plague you with doubt or how skeptical others are.

It is all about faith being in operation while not yet seeing, hearing or experiencing the divine, and as you patiently wait in His Presence, in time, you will  sense Something/SomeOne unique, different and powerful in your spirit, as well as possibly seeing greater aspects of the sacred within your mind. These revelations of His Nature and Power will touch you in a deeply profound way as He not only confirms His written Word, but also creates changes in you which make you increasingly as He is. His peace will strengthen your heart, and His love lift you higher as the Spirit floods and fills your being with the abundance of the "Living Waters" which quench your spiritual thirst/hunger and satisfy the longings and desire of the soul.

The ancient Tabernacle and Temple were merely types and foreshadows of the true Temple, which we are. May we go past the outer court (body), through the Set-Apart Place (soul), and enter into the Holy of holies (spirit) and meet Him as "deep calls unto Deep". This is the true "Secret Place of the Most High" and He abides there always, waiting on you to fellowship and commune with Him as one.

If any of you fear letting go of ego and letting YAH flow, don't be hard on yourself, but patient as His Spirit gently woos, teaches and guides you in faithful surrender, just as one must have faith in taking a deep breath, laying in the water and trusting that you will float on the water without sinking and drowning. I promise you,...THIS is the Path to true Freedom and sacred Liberation. His perfect Love will cast out all your fear, the possibilities are limitless and you shall NEVER be the same again.

(Mark 9:23) "Yahuwshua said to him, 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."


In Him we live, move and have our being,
Yahuwnatan

Supernatural Stability During Adversity (And The Coming "Perfect Storm")

As believers in the collective Body of Messiah, it grows increasingly harder for us to watch society slowly degrade and crumble right before our very eyes, with calamity upon calamity plaguing our world and it's peoples, and the veil of evil covering the land with it's dark shadow in blocking the Light of our heavenly Abba (Father) from shining unto the spiritually blind and lost who, (metaphorically speaking), "stagger around in daylight as if drunk at night". One of the things which the Holy Spirit is strongly drawing my attention to, which in turn is being shared with each and every one of you, is that Abba is greatly displeased with the fact that many believers are starting to lose their peace, and succumb to grumbling, debating, and cursing about the conditions of our world, especially politics, economics, the environment, and so on.

Of course, this is to be expected, due to the rapid changes in society and the ecosystem, and how sacred, Biblical values and beliefs are being trampled underfoot by far-left liberal, Socialist agendas which are leading to the establishment of a new global order that will combine the ten world zones/regions (including the North American Union of USA, Canada, and Mexico) under the governing rule of the United Nations and European Union in the near future, following a global economic collapse, etc. We are currently witnessing the end times (leading towards the Great Tribulation) which are spoken of by Messiah Yahuwsha and other prophets. In the midst of this "beginning of sorrows", the groanings of the creation and the demonic madness of sinful humanity can be heard, seen and felt in the widespread numbers of earthquakes in diverse places, wars and rumors of wars (currently leading to World War III), famines, pestilences, and many false pagan "prophets" and "deities" (especially the fallen angel/human "alien" hybrids) being revered as so-called "saviors" and "messiahs".

Evil human beings who are influenced by the powers of darkness, and continually create crisis events around the world (with systemic manipulation for the purpose of exploitation and absorbing control/power) are completely unaware of the fact that our El (Almighty) is sovereign and ultimately in control, and is the very One who has in effect "put hooks in their jaws" to steer and lead them into the very "pit/trap" which they are preparing for others. It is no different than when He hardened the heart of the ancient Pharaoh of pagan Egypt against the Jews, in order to judge Egypt for it's sin, and separate His people from immorality and bring them into a deeper relationship with Himself. The Word is very clear in establishing the important truth that He is not mocked, for every person shall "reap the full harvest of the seed which they sow", and even though evil is being given a season to "reign" in a satanic "global order", it will be short-lived and destroyed by the Word of Elohim when Messiah returns to renew this planet and it's inhabitants to righteousness and establish a holy and true global order of which there shall be no end.

Just as in ancient times when the children of Elohim were called out to remove themselves from the pagan, "extraterrestrial star-god" worshiping nation of Egypt, we are being called to come out of and have no participation with the Mystery Babylonial system of the world, which is a growing "organism" of unified, (ecumenical) pagan religion, politics, economics, etc., and will soon be destroyed (Revelation 18:4).

Even though that prophecy speaks of the future, the time for preparation is now. In case anyone harbors any skepticism and doubt about the fact that many people in power today are worshiping the same pagan "deities" as Sumer, Babylon, Egypt, Rome and other ancient civilizations, keep in mind that many idols have been built in various nations around the world, especially America, where we have phallic, sun-deity, Egyptian obelisks (including the "Washington Monument"), Roman and Greek deities depicted in paintings and statues at the Capital building and Rockefeller Center, goddesses (such as the "Statue of Liberty", also called "Columbia/Libertas/Hera/Ishtar"), and occultic murals, Freemason symbols, and strange, demonic-looking idols standing guard at the infamous Denver International ("New World") Airport, including the pale horse of "death", and the recent addition of the temporary placement of "Anubis", the Egyptian "god of death, rebirth, and judgement". It is no mere coincidence that idols to these "deities" are present, nor have they been created and placed in strategic places simply for "entertainment" and "show", but rather, as those who understand occultic mysteries clearly understand, these satanic entities are being invoked and petitioned to be "watchers" (by Luciferian, Masonic secret societies) to guard over and influence society, granting energy-empowerment to those in the upper echelons who seek it for global control of the masses.

The combination of man-made crises and the increasing manifestation in the heavens and the earth of Abba Yahuwah Elohim's shakings of the elements and judgments against sin is gradually creating a "perfect storm" which will test all of the inhabitants of this planet in the very near future. The word, "storm", in the Webster's New Dictionary, mainly means: "a heavy fall of rain, snow, or hail, with high wind". However, it has two other definitions which I find to be of great interest : "A violent outbreak or disturbance ; A mass attack on a defended position". The word not only refers to a meteorological disturbance (involving strong winds and precipitation), but also implies a strong, adversarial counter-force and resistance which comes against those in its path. With this in mind, let us recall the words of Messiah when He said:

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24-27)


This Scripture is comparable to Matthew 14: 24-31, in which, during a storm, the disciples saw Yahuwsha walking on the water, and when He told Peter to "Come", Peter then stepped out on the water, walking on the power and foundation of that Word of Elohim, that "Rock", until he was distracted by the noise, the wind, and the waves of the storm and then he lost his faith and began to sink. With all this in mind, we understand that the "storms" of this life are not only meteorological in nature, but more often than not, they consist of other extremely powerful forces and events which can greatly test our faith and patience as we labor diligently to remain focused on Messiah and walking/living in the Spirit of our heavenly Abba as the "light of the world" and the "salt of the earth".

Many of us are losing our peace because we are becoming distracted by the proverbial "winds of change" which are "blowing" across the universe, as He is shaking everything that can be shaken during these "birth-pangs" (which are increasing in frequency and intensity), so that only the things which are founded upon the solid "Rock" of our salvation may remain. How then can we avoid falling into the carnal trappings of becoming unstable as everything around us comes seemingly unglued? Is it possible to become disciplined to a point where we no longer abide in negative emotional states, complain, create schism, and curse whenever life becomes a severe struggle filled with hardships? In Luke 21:26, Messiah said that during this time of trouble, "men's hearts will be failing them for fear and the expectation of those things which are coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken".

The spirit of fear manifests itself in many different forms, including feelings of doubt and insecurity, and in combination with unrighteous anger, oftentimes results in grumbling, in-fighting and cursing. Fear involves torment, and my brothers and sisters,...the time is coming when we may lose all of our "national freedoms" and "unalienable rights", including our possessions, homes, loved ones, and even our lives, during ecological, earth-impact and inter-galactic events, societal collapse and anarchy, civil and global wars, martial law, population relocation into FEMA camps, heavy persecution, etc. We must allow the Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit) to discipline us now, according to the Word, or else, then how can we stand clad in the "armor of Elohim" when the "perfect storm" hits?
 
(2 Timothy 1:7) "For Elohim has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." The word, "power", in this passage is "dunamis", in the Greek language. The definition is : "an abundance of strength, ability, might (y) work, explosive and miraculous power", and it is the root for "dynamite." "Love", is "agape", being : "a feast of charity, affection, or benevolence;  unselfish, unconditional love for another". The last two words of this verse are "sound mind", which are actually one word in the Greek, "sophronismos". It is used only one time within all of holy Scripture, and means : "discipline and self control".

Messiah never came to create "converts", but "disciples", those who diligently train and exercise themselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically in fulfilling the whole of the Law by abiding in His perfect Love, loving Elohim with our entire being, and others as our very selves. He said, "By this the world will know that you are My disciples indeed, by the love you have for one another". However, if they see us responding to adversity with carnal/fleshly behavior, how then can we be effective ministers of the Gospel without becoming spiritually disqualified? Abba desires for us to have the Mind of Messiah (casting down all satanic thought-patterns), glorify Him in our bodies which are His temple, and to let our conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone. 

"Do all things without complaining and disputing so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of Elohim without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life." (Philippians 2:14,15)

Let us never forget what our forefathers did in the wilderness by tempting and testing Elohim through unbelief and constantly grumbling, in short-circuiting their divine potential by refusing to enter His rest by faith, and thus, His wrath and judgment was provoked against themselves as they reaped the dark harvest of their self-centered works. Paul says in Hebrews 4:7b, 9,11 :

"...'Today, if you will hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts'...There remains therefore a rest for the people of Elohim...Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience".

(Hebrews 12:28) "Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve Elohim acceptably with reverence and awe. For our Elohim is a consuming Fire".

We are called to abide in the "fruit of the Spirit", rather than the carnal feelings and desires of the fallen, self-centered nature, for the nature of His Spirit will manifest divine holiness and life through us as surrendered vessels. May we continually take up our "cross"(execution stake) and follow in the footsteps of the Master, for it is only as we "reckon ourselves as being dead to sin" and "alive to Elohim in righteousness" through Messiah, that we become empowered to overcome [haShatan] by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our Testimony, loving not our lives to the death. The prophet Isaiah said of our heavenly Abba in 26:3, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You".

May we cultivate a mindset, attitude and atmosphere of continual thanksgiving, praise and worship within our lives, feeding consistently upon His Word (as Spiritual Food), and living our lives from the inside out (by His truth and guidance), not the outside in (by negative worldly distractions and influence), with His "Rivers of Living Waters" quenching our spiritual thirst, and imparting His Presence to others through intercessory prayer and other self-less forms of ministry. Abba desires to fill us daily with His divine Essence as we spend time focusing on Him in faith, hope and love. To the degree that our hearts and minds remain continually open to receiving the infilling of His set-apart, unconditional love, that is the measure in which fear shall be subdued and overcome, for "there is no fear in love, and perfect love casts out all fear."

It is wise to always remember what Messiah Yahuwsha went through for our sakes in redeeming us to our heavenly Abba through His sacrifice, "We must focus on Yahuwsha, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, disregarding it's shame, and has sat down at the right hand of Elohim. For consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." (Hebrews 12:2-4)  

This is the key to remaining strong and faithful in heart, continual focus and meditation on Messiah through the Spirit within us, according to the will of Abba YAH. With the divine revelation of His love continually saturating our hearts and minds, the enemy cannot steal the precious "Seed" of His Word from within, and in due season, we shall reap if we do not give up, but endure and overcome by faith.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

As the apostles of old did, let us also minister in "strengthening the believers and encouraging them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of Elohim". (Acts 14:22)

Saints, adversity and the "storms of life" should not ultimately be perceived and viewed in a negative lens, but rather, as His Truth declares, it is an important part of the way that we become spiritually separated from darkness, purified and transformed as His Word does a mighty work within us. As Paul said, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the [Shekinah Glory] which shall become revealed in us". Much has been revealed within the Scriptures about rejoicing in tribulation and persecution, and abiding in the spirit of praise and joy rather than anguish and depression, for great shall our glorification and reward be in the Kingdom of Heaven in His Presence forever. No matter how much pain and suffering the apostle Paul had to endure, he kept the righteous perspective (via the Mind of Messiah) in understanding that even though adversity can become extremely intense, it merely pales in comparison to the vast magnitude of our eternal destiny in Yahuwah Elohim.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. This light, temporary nature of our suffering is producing for us an everlasting, weight of glory, far beyond any comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
 
Why does it say in Proverbs 28:1, that "The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the righteous are as bold as lions" ? The wicked are filled with the fear of loss and death because they have no eternal assurance of Salvation as we do, and no matter what comes against us, we remain confident that "He who has begun a good work in us shall carry it on to the day of completion in Messiah Yahushua". In Abba's love, we were created and brought forth as His children. In His Love, even though we fell away from Him into self-centered sin, He sent His Firstborn Son (of many brethren) to redeem and restore us into perfect fellowship and unity in the Spirit as one. Focus always on Abba's perfect love,...because as the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:8, it "never fails".

Recently, I have been reminded by the Spirit of these soul-stirring words in this excerpt from the inspirational song by Ray Boltz, called : "The Anchor Holds".

"But it was in the night, through the storms of my life. Oh, that's where God proved His love to me. The anchor holds though the ship is battered. The anchor holds, though the sails are torn. I have fallen on my knees as I faced the raging seas. The anchor holds in spite of the storm."

(Romans 8:34-39) "Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Elohim that is in Messiah Yahushua our Master."

(Psalms 46:10,11) "Be still [calm, tranquil, stable] and know I Am Elohim. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. The Yahuwah of hosts is with us. The Elohim of Yacob is our refuge".


In Him we live, move and have our being,
Yahuwnatan